An officer intimately involved with the investigation into the 1989 murder of the ACT's police chief has denied he felt compromised after David Eastman's trial judge invited him into his apartment for a drink.
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Derek Gough was a member of Operation Peat, the team set up to investigate the shooting murder of AFP Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester as he sat in his car outside his neighbour's home.
Mr Gough's daughter had also been the victim of an alleged assault by Eastman on the grounds of ANU, but it was never pursued through the courts.
Eastman was found guilty of the shooting after a trial in 1995, but a new inquiry was ordered last year after "fresh doubt" was raised about his conviction.
The inquiry on Monday heard police were contacted by the ACT Supreme Court deputy registrar in May 1995, who said Eastman's trial judge Ken Carruthers held fears for his personal safety.
ACT Policing arranged for close personal protection for the judge, which was to be provided by the force's special operations team.
But the officer told the inquiry that both himself and another member of the Operation Peat team needed to guard the judge until special operations officers were ready.
On May 22, 1995, the two Operation Peat officers followed the trial judge home from court in an unmarked car.
The judge's Commonwealth driver became concerned about the car following him, as the judge was apparently not told personal protection was going to be provided.
They feared the car that was tailing them was associated with Eastman, and drove through suburbs in an evasive way.
That prompted concerns from the police, who approached the judge's car when it stopped and identified themselves.
The inquiry heard that this had left the judge "quite alarmed", although police soon explained themselves.
They then followed the judge back to his apartment.
Justice Carruthers invited them in for a drink.
Mr Gough said he declined the drink but stayed in the apartment for 30 minutes, and then spent another hour standing watch outside his door.
He said he did not discuss anything about the trial with the judge.
The officer said he did not talk about the assault on his daughter, or any other threats posed by Eastman.
He said he did not speak to the judge about a series of psychiatric reports on Eastman, which had been compiled by Rod Milton.
He then denied ever feeling compromised because of his contact with the trial judge.
Mr Gough said it was "obvious" it would have been improper for him to discuss certain things with the judge.
The inquiry continues on Tuesday.
